Transfer device docking indicator

ABSTRACT

A transfer system can include a receiver; and a transfer device including: a housing comprising a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup configured to receive and lockably engage the receiver; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing and configured to engage with the receiver through either of the first docking cup and the second docking cup; and a pair of indicators coupled to the security mechanism and at least partially visible from outside the housing, each of the pair of indicators configured to indicate to a user of the transfer system that the receiver has been lockably engaged with one of the first docking cup and the second docking cup.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/912,371, filed Oct. 8, 2019, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD Field of Use

This disclosure relates to transfer systems such as those used in apatient care environment. More specifically, this disclosure relates totransfer devices indicating a condition of engagement of disengagementwith a support platform.

Related Art

In the care of medical patients, various medical equipment such as, forexample and without limitation, infusion management equipment andsupplies, pressure transducers, physiological monitors, and otherequipment can be employed. Such equipment can be set up at the patient'sbedside, where it can be supported by various stands, racks or hangers.For example, the equipment may be supported by 5-star floor stands,headwalls, booms such as those affixed to a ceiling, floor or wallmounted columns, or on other stationary or mobile platforms.

Such patients can at times be transported between rooms or facilities tofacilitate their care. Such transports can often be necessary underemergency conditions while patients are distressed and frail, and forthis reason and others it can be beneficial to complete such transportsrapidly and with minimal disruption of therapy, life support, andmonitoring.

In addition to moving the patient bed, caregivers must typically alsowheel several intravenous-fluid (IV) stands next to or behind a bed, orpile the equipment onto the mattress next to the patient. Thesetechniques can prove hazardous because the IV stands may fall and tearout patient connections. Such patient transports can also be inefficientand costly because significant staff time is required to prepare apatient for transport and many caregivers are needed for moving theequipment in tandem with the bed along corridors, into and out ofelevators, and through doors.

Some transfer systems exist for supporting and transferring equipmentfrom one support platform to another to facilitate transport ofpatients, but it is not always clear to caregivers during use of thetransfer systems when the equipment and specifically a transfer deviceof the transfer system supporting the equipment is positively locked inplace and ready for transport. In some conditions, including when thecomponents of the transfer system are not properly aligned, docking ofone component with another may not occur as expected.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

In one aspect, disclosed is a transfer system comprising: a receiver;and a transfer device comprising: a housing comprising a first dockingcup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and thesecond docking cup configured to receive and lockably engage thereceiver; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing andconfigured to engage with the receiver through either of the firstdocking cup and the second docking cup; and a pair of indicators coupledto the security mechanism and at least partially visible from outsidethe housing, each of the pair of indicators configured to indicate to auser of the transfer system that the receiver has been lockably engagedwith one of the first docking cup and the second docking cup.

In a further aspect, disclosed is a transfer device comprising: ahousing comprising a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each ofthe first docking cup and the second docking cup configured to receiveand lockably engage a receiver of a transfer system; a securitymechanism positioned inside the housing; and a pair of indicatorscoupled to the security mechanism and at least partially visible fromoutside the housing, each of the pair of indicators configured toindicate to a user of the transfer system that the receiver has beenlockably engaged with one of the first docking cup and the seconddocking cup.

In yet another aspect, disclosed is a method of using a transfer system,the method comprising: lockably engaging a transfer device of thetransfer system with a receiver of the transfer system, the transferdevice comprising: a housing comprising a first docking cup and a seconddocking cup, lockably engaging the transfer device comprising lockablyengaging the receiver with one of the first docking cup and the seconddocking cup; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing; and apair of indicators coupled to the security mechanism and at leastpartially visible from outside the housing; and positioning a firstindicator of the pair of indicators in a first indicating position withrespect to the housing, the first indicating position indicating to auser of the transfer system that the receiver has been lockably engagedwith the one of the first docking cup and the second docking cup.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may compriseadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosureand together with the description, serve to explain various principlesof the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a transfer system in a medical environment, thetransfer system comprising a stationary support platform, a mobilesupport platform, and a transfer device supporting a patient careapparatus in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure, thetransfer device comprising a set of indicators.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transfer device of FIG. 1 togetherwith a receiver of a first support platform and a receiver of a secondsupport platform.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective exploded view of the transfer device ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transfer device and the receivers ofFIG. 3 with a portion of a housing of the transfer device removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transfer device and the receivers ofFIG. 3 with the entire housing of the transfer device and certain othercomponents removed.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a security lever of a security mechanism ofthe transfer device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the security lever of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the security lever of FIG. 7 facing an end ofthe security lever defining a feeler.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a bottom pivot assembly of thetransfer device of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom pivot shaft of thebottom pivot assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an end or front view of the bottom pivot shaft of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a face or side view of a bottom pivot link of the bottompivot assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14A is a front view of an indicator of the bottom pivot assembly ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 14B is a front view of the indicator of the bottom pivot assemblyof FIG. 10 in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 14C shows a front view of the indicator of the bottom pivotassembly of FIG. 10 in accordance with another aspect of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of a transfer device together withthe receiver of a first support platform and the receiver of a secondsupport platform, the transfer device comprising a set of indicators inaccordance with another aspect of the current disclosure and with theset of indicators in a first indicating condition showing the receiverof the first support platform lockably engaged with a first docking cupof the transfer device.

FIG. 15B is a front perspective view of the transfer device and thereceivers of FIG. 15A with a portion of the housing of the transferdevice removed.

FIG. 15C is a side top perspective view of the transfer device and thereceivers of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a front view of a transfer device together with a receiverof a first support platform and a receiver of a second support platform,the transfer device comprising a set of indicators in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure and with the set of indicatorsin a first indicating condition showing the receiver of the firstsupport platform lockably engaged with a first docking cup of thetransfer device.

FIG. 16B is a front view of the transfer device and the receivers ofFIG. 16A with the set of indicators in a second indicating conditionshowing the receiver of the second support platform lockably engagedwith a second docking cup of the transfer device.

FIG. 17A is a front view of a transfer device together with a receiverof a first support platform and a receiver of a second support platform,the transfer device comprising a set of indicators in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure and with the set of indicatorsin a first indicating condition showing the receiver of the firstsupport platform lockably engaged with the first docking cup of thetransfer device.

FIG. 17B is a front view of the transfer device and the receivers ofFIG. 17A with the set of indicators in a second indicating conditionshowing both of the receivers engaged but not lockably engaged withrespective first and second docking cups of the transfer device.

FIG. 17C is a front view of the transfer device and the receivers ofFIG. 17A with the set of indicators in a third indicating conditionshowing the receiver of the second support platform lockably engagedwith the second docking cup of the transfer device in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 17D is a front perspective view of the transfer device of FIG. 17Awith at least a portion of the housing of the transfer device removed.

FIG. 17E is a front exploded perspective view of an indicator and asecurity lever of a security mechanism of the transfer device of FIG.17A.

FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of a transfer device together with areceiver of a first support platform and a receiver of a second supportplatform in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure,the transfer device comprising a set of indicators in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure and with the set of indicatorsin a first indicating condition showing the receiver of the firstsupport platform lockably engaged with the first docking cup of thetransfer device.

FIG. 18B is a top perspective view of the transfer device and thereceivers of FIG. 18A with a portion of the housing of the transferdevice removed.

FIG. 18C is a front view of the transfer device and the receivers ofFIG. 18A with the portion of the housing of the transfer device removed.

FIG. 18D is a front sectional view of the transfer device and thereceivers of FIG. 18A with the portion of the housing of the transferdevice removed and taken along line 18D-18D of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a housing of the transfer device ofFIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 19B is a sectional view of the housing of FIG. 19 in accordancewith another, more simplified aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 19C is a top view of the housing of FIG. 19 in close proximity to amating housing having identical geometry.

FIG. 20A is a front view of the transfer device of FIG. 1 together witha receiver of the first support platform, a receiver of the secondsupport platform, and a patient care apparatus supported by the transferdevice, with the set of indicators of the transfer device in a firstindicating condition showing the receiver of the first support platformlockably engaged with the first docking cup of the transfer device.

FIG. 20B is a front view of the transfer device, the receivers, and thepatient care apparatus of FIG. 20A with the set of indicators in asecond indicating condition showing the respective receivers of thefirst support platform and the second support platform inserted into butnot lockably engaged with each of the first docking cup and the seconddocking cup of the transfer device.

FIG. 20C is a front view of the transfer device, the receivers, and thepatient care apparatus of FIG. 20A with the set of indicators in a thirdindicating condition showing the receiver of the second support platformlockably engaged with the second docking cup of the transfer device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspectsdescribed herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of thepresent disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desiredbenefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some ofthe features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that manymodifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible andcan even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element cancomprise two or more such elements unless the context indicatesotherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be afirst such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a firstwidget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description comprises instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase“at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or bothA and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, theconventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “inboard,” “outboard,”“horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless statedotherwise, “front” describes that end of the transfer system nearest toand occupied by a user of the transfer device; “rear” is that end of thetransfer device that is opposite or distal the front; “left” is thatwhich is to the left of or facing left from a person facing towards thefront of the transfer device; and “right” is that which is to the rightof or facing right from that same person while facing towards the frontof the transfer device. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation”describes that which is in a plane extending from left to right andaligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” describesthat which is in a plane that is angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal.

A transfer device and associated methods, systems, devices, and variousapparatuses are disclosed herein. The transfer device can comprise asecurity mechanism. The transfer device can further comprise a dockingindicator configured to indicate to a user a state, condition, orposition of the security mechanism or a portion thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transfer system 50 can include support platforms30 a,b and a transfer device 100. Either of the support platforms 30 a,bcan be a stationary support platform or a mobile support platform or canbe convertible between stationary and mobile configurations. As shown,the support platform 30 a can be the stationary support platform and thesupport platform 30 b can be the mobile support platform. The transferdevice 100 can support a patient care apparatus 60 and can transfer thepatient care apparatus 60 from the support platform 30 a to the supportplatform 30 b and vice versa. For example and without limitation, asupport shaft or support post 296 (shown in FIG. 3) of the transfersystem 100 can support the patient care apparatus 60. As used in theinstant disclosure, the term “transfer” refers to transferring patientsupport equipment such as the patient care apparatus 60 between supportplatforms such as, for example and without limitation, the supportplatforms 30 a,b.

The support platform 30 a can comprise, for example and withoutlimitation, a wall, a headwall, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted boom,a free-standing or movable column or other structure, including thatwhich can be found in a hospital room or other patient treatmentfacility. The support platform 30 b can comprise, for example andwithout limitation, a patient bed 40 as shown, a gurney; a wheelchair;an ambulance, helicopter, or other vehicle; or another mobile platform.Each of the support platforms 30 a,b can comprise a receiver 110 a,b,which can be configured to receive and support the transfer device 100.Each of the receivers 110 a,b can also be a docking cone in that a shapeof an outer surface 111 (shown in FIG. 3) of each of the receivers 110a,b can be at least in part conical or frustoconical. To indicatelockable engagement, i.e., secure docking of the receiver 110 a,b insidethe transfer device 100, the transfer device can comprise an indicator120 (shown, e.g., in FIG. 14A) or a set of indicators 120 a,b (shown,e.g., in FIG. 3).

As shown, each of the support platforms 30 a,b can comprise an arm 70a,b, which can support the respective receiver 110 a,b. In some aspects,the receiver 110 a can be secured to the arm 70 a, and the arm 70 a canbe secured to a stationary structure such as a wall 91 through, forexample and without limitation, a connector 31 a or a pole 36 or boththe connector 31 a and the pole 36. Similarly, the arm 70 b can besecured to a mobile structure such as the patient bed 40 by using aconnector 31 b. The connector 31 b can be mated to an accessory bracket46 of the patient bed 40 via an adapter 49 or other connection.

When treated in a hospital room, a patient can be connected to thepatient care apparatus 60. The patient care apparatus 60 can be attachedto the transfer device 100, docking cups 175 a,b (shown in FIG. 3) ofwhich can be rotatably docked to the respective receivers 110 a,b. Byarticulating the arms 70 a,b, the receivers 110 a,b, and the connectors31 a,b, the corresponding support platforms 30 a,b can be positioned foroptimal patient care. When the patient care apparatus 60 is physicallydetached from the patient bed 40 while the patient is in a room,caregivers can have greater access or even unobstructed access to thepatient all around the patient bed 40. As used in the instantdisclosure, the term “docking” and “docking maneuver” refers toinserting one of the receivers 110 a,b into one of the docking cups 175a,b of the transfer device 100 while the receivers 110 a,b and thedocking cups 175 a,b are generally in coaxial alignment and in aload-bearing relationship. The arms 70 a,b can comprise one or morearticulating arm segments, which can extend the reach and flexibility ofthe transfer system 50.

The patient bed 40 can comprise a mattress 42. A height 48 of themattress 42 relative to a floor 92 or any other height measurement ofthe patient bed 40 can be adjustable by a lift mechanism 43, which canbe powered by any source of power such as, for example and withoutlimitation, an electric motor or hand crank. The patient bed 40 cancomprise a height-adjustable frame 41, which can comprise the accessorybracket 46. The accessory bracket 46 can be positioned proximate to aheadboard 45 of the patient bed 40. The accessory bracket 46 can be usedto secure a variety of accessories such as, for example and withoutlimitation, push handles, foldable IV poles, guide wheels or orthopedicframes, and the transfer device 100 disclosed herein. Any component ofthe support platform 30 b such as, for example and without limitation,the arm 70 b can be attached to the accessory bracket 46 of the patientbed 40 or directly to the patient bed 40 by welds, mechanical fasteners,clamps, or other known fastening methods.

FIG. 2 discloses the transfer system 50 in accordance with anotheraspect of the current disclosure. As shown, the transfer system 50 cancomprise a transfer apparatus 230, the support platform 30 a, and thesupport platform 30 b, which can comprise a mobile stand-alone supportplatform 270. Various elements of the transfer system 50 can becompatible with the structures disclosed in FIG. 1. With suchcompatibility, the docking cups 175 a,b (shown in FIG. 3) of newertransfer devices 100 including those disclosed herein can receive thereceivers 110 a,b of older support platforms 30 a,30 b, and the dockingcups 175 a,b of older transfer devices 100 can receive the receivers 110a,b of newer support platforms 30 a,b.

The transfer apparatus 230 can comprise the transfer device 100 and thepatient care apparatus 60. The patient care apparatus 60 can comprise anoffset arm 234 and a pole 233, which in some aspects can be an IV pole.The patient care apparatus 60 can comprise a patient care device 238such as, for example and without limitation, an IV pump as shown. Insome aspects, a center of gravity of the patient care device 238 can belocated directly over the support post 296. In some aspects, the patientcare apparatus 60 can comprise multiple IV poles, hooks 236, one or moreIV infusion pumps, or another type of patient care device mountableeither directly or indirectly on the pole 233 or the offset arm 234 oranother portion of the patient care apparatus 60. In some aspects, apatient care apparatus kit 260 can comprise the patient care apparatus60 and the support post 296 and can be installed or replaced in thefield to change the configuration of the particular patient careapparatus 60 as desired by the user.

The support platform 30 a can comprise the pole 36, the connector 31 a,a connecting link arm 213, and a receiver arm 214. The arm 70 a cancomprise the connecting link arm 213 and the receiver arm 214. Thebrackets used to secure the pole 36 to a nearby stationary structure ofthe support platform 30 a can be configured to support a load measuringas much a hundred pounds or more. The patient care apparatus 60 canweigh in excess of 100 pounds.

The mobile stand-alone support platform 270 can comprise a base 272 anda support pole 276, which can be mounted to the base 272 with aconnector 275. The base 272 can comprise a leg support 271, which can bea leg or a caster. With the leg supports 271, the mobile stand-alonesupport platform 270 to be transported to and between thoseaforementioned environments where a support platform 30 a,b is otherwisenot available.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transfer device 100 together withthe receiver 110 a of the support platform 30 a and the receiver 110 bof the support platform 30 b. As shown, the transfer device 100 cancomprise one or more of the indicators 120 a,b, the purpose of whichwill now be described. The docking cups 175 a,b and the receivers 110a,b can be configured to lockably engage with each other. In someconditions, however, misaligned or damaged components of the transfersystem 50 can fail to properly dock. More specifically, whensufficiently misaligned or damaged, one component of the transfer system50 such as the receiver 110 a,b can fail to lockably engage with anothercomponent of the transfer system 50 such as one of the docking cups 175a,b of the transfer device 100. A position of one or more of theindicators 120 a,b can signal to a user of the transfer device 100—andof the transfer system 50 more broadly—that the receiver 110 a,b has orhas not positively and lockably engaged with the corresponding dockingcup 175 a,b of the transfer device 100. With this knowledge, the usercan correct the misalignment or other issue by adjusting an angle or aheight of a portion of the support platform 30 b such as the patient bed40 (shown in FIG. 1) or other structure, take the transfer system 50offline, and/or alert responsible individuals as appropriate.

As also shown, the receiver 110 a is shown disengaged from the dockingcup 175 a of the transfer device 100, and the receiver 110 b is shownengaged with the docking cup 175 b of the transfer device 100. Alignmentof the indicators 120 a,b with marks 350 a,b can indicate disengagementand alignment with marks 351 a,b can indicate engagement with thedocking cups 175 a,b. This is reflected in the respective positions ofthe indicators 120 a,b as shown: the indicator 120 a corresponding tothe receiver 110 a is pointing towards a mark 350 a indicatingdisengagement, and the indicator 120 b corresponding to the receiver 110b is pointing towards a mark 351 b indicating disengagement. Thetransfer device 100 can comprise a housing 310 defining a top end 305, abottom end 306, and an axis 301 aligned with the support post 296 andextending from the top end 305 to the bottom end 306. In some aspects,the transfer device 100 and, more specifically, the housing 310 candefine a single mark such as the mark 350 a,350 b or 351 a,351 b foreach of the indicators 120 a,b to indicate the aforementioned engagementor disengagement. Alignment with the single mark can indicate engagement(or disengagement, as the case may be, depending on the orientation anddesign of the mark as a means of communicating meaning to a user) andlack of alignment can indicate disengagement (or engagement, dependingon the orientation and design of the mark).

In some aspects, as shown, the housing 310 of the transfer device 100can comprise two housing halves 320 a,b, which can be joined along acentral joint plane optionally aligned with the axis 301 with assemblyfasteners (not shown) to form a generally hollow, thin-walled clamshellhousing 310 suitable for cost-effective molding or casting. Each housinghalf 320 a,b can have generally smooth, easy-to-clean exterior surfaces321 a,b and can define label recesses 428 (shown in FIG. 4) to permitcovering and sealing the assembly fasteners and other surfaceirregularities with labels 330 for effective infection control, for abetter aesthetic appearance, and as a surface in or on which to providemarks for indicating a position of one or more portions of a securitymechanism 410 (shown in FIG. 4). In other aspects, the housing 310 canbe formed other than with the housing halves 320 a,b and can, forexample and without limitation, be formed by an upper housing portionand a lower housing portion joined together as shown in FIGS. 2 and18A-18D. The interior surfaces 322 a,b (322 a shown in FIG. 4, 322 bshown in FIG. 15B) of housing halves 320 a,b or an interior surface 322of the housing as otherwise formed can define bosses, ribs, and otherfeatures. As will be described, such features can cooperate to retain,for example and without limitation, the aforementioned assemblyfasteners, pivot pins, and biasing members as well as other structuraland/or functional elements such as docking cups 175 a,b and the supportpost 296.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective exploded view of the transfer device 100.As shown, an inner surface 476 a,b defined by an inner wall 475 a,b ofeach of the respective docking cups 175 a,b can face downward and can bepositioned in the two housing halves 320 a,b such that docking cups 175a,b are able to receive and are configured to receive the receivers 110a,b as shown in FIG. 3. The docking cups 175 a,b can define respectivedocking cup axes 311 a,b, which can be spaced apart sufficiently toavoid interference caused by the support platforms 30 a,b (shown in FIG.3) being in close proximity with each other. The docking cup axes 311a,b may be parallel with respect to each other as shown or, as shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B, converging toward a point. Each of the docking cups175 a,b and, more specifically the inner walls 475 a,b and the innersurfaces 476 a,b thereof can define a frustoconical cavity, while eachof the receivers 110 a,b (shown in FIG. 3) can define a frustoconicalouter surface. The transfer device 100 and, more specifically, thehousing 310 can comprise docking rings 340 a,b positioned on the bottomend 306 of the housing 310. As shown, the docking rings 340 a,b candefine the bottom end 306 of the housing 310. The docking rings 340 a,bcan be toroid bodies and can terminate, reinforce, and provide accurateconcentricity to a bottom opening of each of the docking cups 175 a,b.

As shown, the transfer device 100 can comprise first pair and a secondpair of the indicators 120 a,b. Each of the first pair and the secondpair of the indicators 120 a,b can be positioned on opposite sides ofthe transfer device 100 from each other (i.e., the second pair ofindicators 120 a,b can be positioned on a side of the transfer device100 that is opposite from a side of the transfer device 100 on which thefirst pair of the indicators 120 a,b is positioned). Moreover, the firstpair and the second pair of the indicators 120 a,b can be joined to eachother via an indicator linkage 610 a,b (shown in FIG. 6).

The housing 310 and, in some aspects, more specifically the housinghalves 320 a,b of the transfer device 100 can enclose the securitymechanism 410. The housing halves 320 a,b can be aligned with andassembled about the security mechanism 410 and with the indicators 120a,b along assembly axes 421 a,b. Each of the housing halves 320 a,b candefine indicator bosses 425 a,b, which can be concentric with theassembly axes 421 a,b to help position and retain a portion of thesecurity mechanism 410 coupled to the indicators 120 a,b and facilitatesmooth and consistent operation of same. The housing halves 320 a,b candefine security lever bosses 415 a,b, which can be concentric with pivotaxes 411 a,b to help position and retain security levers 450 a,b of thesecurity mechanism 410 and facilitate smooth and consistent operation ofsame. As shown, the security levers 450 a,b can be assembled in areverse relationship with each other and can be retained by and pivotabout pivot pins 1590, which can be retained in the bosses 415 a,b. Thehousing halves 320 a,b can define attachment points 435 a,b, one or moreof which can be bosses and can engage with biasing members 570 a,b(shown in FIG. 5).

In some aspects, as shown, a pair of biasing members 570 a or 570 b canextend between the housing and a corresponding security lever 450 a,b.In some aspects, a single biasing member 570 a,b or more than twobiasing members 570 a,b can extend between the housing and thecorresponding security lever 450 a,b. Each of the biasing members 570a,b can be a spring or other biasing structure or element defining aspring constant and configured to store energy. A spring constant ofeach of the biasing members 570 a,b or combination of the biasingmembers 570 a,b can be adjusted to increase or decrease a biasing forceresulting from extension of the biasing members 570 a,b from theirnatural positions. In some aspects, as shown, each of the biasingmembers 570 a,b can be a tension spring, which can be configured to bestretched while storing potential energy. In some aspects, each of thebiasing members 570 a,b can be a compression spring, which can beconfigured to be compressed while storing potential energy. In someaspects, each of the biasing members 570 a,b can be a torsion spring, inwhich ends of the spring can be configured to rotate while storingpotential energy.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transfer device 100 and thereceivers 110 a,b with a portion of the housing 310—and specifically thehousing half 320 b (shown in FIG. 4)—of the transfer device 100 removed.Each of the receivers 110 a,b can define a cylindrical portion 513 at arespective upper end 515 a,b, which can define a respective receiver tipor cone tip 517 a,b (shown in FIG. 6), and a frustoconical portion 514at a lower end 516 a,b. Between the upper end 515 a and the lower end516 b and, in some aspects, between the cylindrical portion 513 and thefrustoconical portion 514 the outer surface 111 of each of the receivers110 a,b can step closer to or be offset towards the respective dockingcup axis 311 a,b to form a security notch 580 a,b. The securitymechanism 410 and, more specifically, the security levers 450 a,b canengage the respective security notches 580 a,b in the respectivereceivers 110 a,b.

When engaged, the security mechanism 410 can eliminate the risk ofaccidentally disconnecting or dislodging the transfer device 100 fromthe receiver 110 a,b to which it can be docked. Again, the securitymechanism 410 can be fully enclosed inside the housing 310. Eachsecurity lever 450 a,b of the security mechanism 410 can comprise asecurity latch 560 a,b, which can pivot as part of the security lever450 a,b about a pivot point 548 a,b defined by a pivot hub or pivotportion 540 a,b from a first secured position to a second releasedposition, or into and out of engagement with the security notch 580 a,bof the receivers 110 a,b to control retention of the receiver 110 a,b inthe respective docking cup 175 a,b of the transfer device 100. Morespecifically, the pivot point 548 a,b can comprise a respective pivotpin 1590. Each security lever 450 a,b can also comprise a feeler 550a,b, which can cause the respective security latch 560 a,b of therespective security lever 450 a,b to pivot from the first securedposition to the second released position in response to being displacedupward, against the bias of the biasing members 570 a,b, by therespective upper end 515 a,b of the receiver 110 a,b.

When the first receiver 110 a is in docking engagement with the firstdocking cup 175 a of the transfer device 100, the transfer device 100cannot be removed from the first receiver 110 a as long as the seconddocking cup 175 b is not in docking engagement with the second receiver110 b. The transfer device 100 can remain lockably engaged with thefirst receiver 110 a in this condition because the absence of the secondreceiver 110 b within the second docking cup 175 b and the feeler 550 bof the second security lever 450 b not being lifted or engaged by thesecond receiver 110 b can leave the security latch 560 b of the secondsecurity lever 450 b engaged with the first receiver 110 a as shown inthe first secured position. The security latch 560 b of the secondsecurity lever 450 b can automatically engage with the security notch580 a of the first receiver 110 a by influence of the aforementionedbiasing members 570 a,b. The biasing members 570 a,b can by default keepthe respective feelers 550 a,b in a lower position with respect to therespective docking cup 175 a,b as the security lever 450 a,b is biasedtoward the lower position by the respective biasing members 570 a,b. Thebiasing members 570 a,b can pull on respective attachment portions 590a,b, each of which can be an attachment hook, towards the respectivestationary attachment points 435 a,b on the housing 310. The biasingmembers 570 a,b can thereby tend to rotate or be configured to bias therespective security levers 450 a,b into locking engagement with theopposite receivers 110 a,b. As shown, the biasing members 570 a,b can beengaged with or, more specifically, in contact with the respectivesecurity levers 450 a,b.

Similarly, when the second receiver 110 b is in docking engagement withthe second docking cup 175 b of the transfer device 100, the transferdevice 100 cannot be removed from the second receiver 110 b as long asfirst docking cup 175 a is not in docking engagement with the firstreceiver 110 a. Thus, the security mechanism 410 prevents the transferdevice 100 from being removed from any one support platform 30 a,bunless and until the transfer device 100 is docked to another supportplatform 30 a,b to which it is being transferred. Only simultaneous,full docking engagement inside both docking cups 175 a,b by two thereceivers 110 a,b causes the security mechanism 410 to automaticallyrelease both of the security latches 560 a,b from locking engagementwith the receivers 110 a,b, permitting a caregiver the choice of eitherreleasing the transfer device 100 from the receiver 110 a docked to thedocking cup 175 a, or releasing the transfer device 100 from thereceiver 110 b docked to the docking cup 175 b. Extracting the receiver110 a by even a short distance such as, for example and withoutlimitation, ¼ inch or less from the docking cup 175 a can cause thesecurity mechanism 410 to engage with the opposite receiver 110 b, andvice versa.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transfer device 100 (shown in FIG.3) and the receivers 110 a,b with the entire housing 310 (shown in FIG.3) of the transfer device 100 and certain other components removed. Thesecurity levers 450 a,b can interact with and cause rotation or othermovement of the indicators 120 a,b, depending on the configuration ofthe indicators 120 a,b. In some aspects, as shown, this interaction canbe via the indicator linkage 610 a,b.

More specifically, a position or movement of the indicator linkage 610 acan be controlled by a position or movement of the security lever 450 b,and a position or movement of the indicator linkage 610 b can becontrolled by a position or movement of the security lever 450 a. Insome aspects, as shown, a pin 690 b, which can be a guide pin and canextend through a portion of the security lever 450 b proximate to thesecurity latch 560 b such as a pin bore 770 (shown in FIG. 7), canextend through and engage with the indicator linkage 610 a, and movementof the pin 690 b (which can be caused by movement of the security lever450 b) can cause movement—and, in some aspects, rotation—of theindicator linkage 610 a and thereby also the indicator 120 a. Similarly,in some aspects, a pin 690 a (shown in FIG. 5), which can be a guide pinand can extend through a portion of the security lever 450 a proximateto the security latch 560 a such as the pin bore 770, can extend throughand engage with the indicator linkage 610 b, and movement of the pin 690a (which can be caused by movement of the security lever 450 a) cancause movement—and, in some aspects, rotation—of the indicator linkage610 b and thereby also the indicator 120 b. In some aspects, as shown,the pins 690 a,b can be roll, split, or spring pins. In other aspects,the pins 690 a,b can be another pin or fastener secured to the securitylever 450 a,b or can be formed monolithically with the security lever450 a,b. In some aspects, as shown, each of the indicators 120 a,b cancomprise multiple indicators for indicating to the user from multiplesides of the transfer device 100 that the transfer device 100 is or isnot lockably engaged with a particular receiver 110 a,b.

FIGS. 7-9 show a security lever 450, which can correspond to thesecurity levers 450 a,b (shown in FIG. 6) of the security mechanism 410(shown in FIG. 6) of the transfer device 100. More specifically, thesecurity lever 450 shown can correspond to each of the security levers450 a,b, which can define the same geometry and be interchangeable witheach other. FIG. 7 is a front view of the security lever 450. FIG. 8 isa top view and FIG. 9 is a side view of the security lever 450. As shownin FIG. 7, the security lever 450 can comprise a feeler 550corresponding to the feelers 550 a,b and the security latch 560corresponding to the security latches 560 a,b of the respective securitylevers 450 a,b. The security lever 450 can define a pivot axis 411 andthe pivot portion 540, about which the security lever 450 can rotate,corresponding to the pivot portions 540 a,b of the security levers 450a,b. The security lever 450 can further define the attachment portion590, corresponding to the attachment portions 590 a,b of the respectivesecurity levers 450 a,b.

The security lever 450 can be a rigid bar or plate defining an innersurface or first side surface 451 (shown in FIG. 8) and an outer surfaceor second side surface 452 as well as the following corners or “ends” ofthe security lever 450: the pivot portion 540, the feeler 550, and thesecurity latch 560. As shown in FIG. 8, the security lever 450 candefine a set of bends 811 and 812, which can effectively offset a secondportion 456 of the security lever 450 with respect to a first portion455. This offset can minimize the space required for the securitymechanism 410, align a centerline 801 (shown in FIG. 8) of the securitylever 450 at the pivot portion 540 and the first portion 455 with thecorresponding docking cup axis 311 a,b, which can be an axis of thecorresponding receiver 110 a,b, and allow the security levers 450 a,b topass by one other in close proximity without interference. Each of thebends 811 and 812 can define any desirable bend angle including a bendangle 807 of 45 degrees.

The pivot portion 540 can be formed monolithically from the securitylever 450 and can define a pivot point 548 corresponding to the pivotpoints 548 a,b of the security levers 450 a,b. In some aspects, thepivot point 548 a,b can be a bore extending partially or completelythrough the pivot portion 540 of the security lever 450. In otheraspects, the pivot point 548 a,b can extend from a surface of thesecurity lever 450 into the housing 310 (FIG. 4) or be otherwiserestrained by the housing 310.

In some aspects, the feeler 550 can be formed monolithically from thesecurity lever 450 and can define or be defined by, for example andwithout limitation, a flange 950 (shown in FIG. 9), which can be bentfrom the second portion 456 of the security lever 450 as shown. In otheraspects, the feeler 550 can be formed from a separate part joined to thesecurity lever 450.

In some aspects, the security latch 560 can be formed monolithicallyfrom the security lever 450 and can define a tab, finger, orfinger-shaped protrusion sized to be received by and into thecorresponding security notch 580 a,b (shown in FIG. 5) of the receivers110 a,b.

In some aspects, the security lever 450 can define a simple closedpolygonal shape such as that of a rectangle or triangle, particularly ifin such case the security lever 450 will not interfere with the housing310 of the transfer device. In other aspects, as shown in FIG. 7, thesecurity lever 450 can define a relatively complex shape with multiplecutouts along a perimeter 703 of the security lever 450 defining variousstraight or radiussed edges, which can permit the security lever 450 toreach around or avoid features of the housing 310 such as, for exampleand without limitation, the inner walls 475 a,b (shown in FIG. 4) of thedocking cups 175 a,b (shown in FIG. 4), the feeler 550 of an adjacentsecurity lever 450, the indicator linkage 610 a,b (shown in FIG. 6), andthe interior surface 322 (shown in FIG. 4) of the housing 310, which canbe in close proximity to the security lever 450. At the same time, astrength of the security lever 450 can be maintained by maximizing thewidth of various sections (and reducing the aforementioned cutouts), bymaximizing a thickness of the security lever 450 itself, or, as will bedescribed, by adjusting the material itself. In some aspects, athickness of the security lever 450 can be at least 10 gage. In otheraspects, the thickness of the security lever 450 can be other than 10gage. The thickness of the security lever 450 can be substantiallyconstant (i.e., constant other than in locations where deformationduring its fabrication may cause variations in thickness).

Pivot pins 1590 (shown in FIG. 4) can be inserted into and extendbetween security lever bosses 415 a,b (shown in FIG. 4) on the interiorsurfaces 322 a,b (322 a shown in FIG. 4, 322 b shown in FIG. 15B) offirst and second housing halves 320 a,b (shown in FIG. 4). Each of thesecurity levers 450 a,b (shown in FIG. 4) can be rotatably attached tothe pivot pins 1590 at the pivot points 548 a,b to permit each securitylever 450 a,b to pivot as previously described. Each of the securitylevers 450 a,b can define an upper edge 708 and a lower edge 709, eachof which can extend from the pivot portion 540 to the feeler 550.

FIG. 10 shows the indicators 120 and an indicator linkage 610 to whichthe indicators 120 can be coupled. The indicator linkage 610 can defineand correspond to each of the indicator linkages 610 a,b (shown in FIG.6) of the transfer device 100 (shown in FIG. 5) and can be considered aportion of the security mechanism 410 (shown in FIG. 6). FIG. 10 is atop perspective view of a bottom pivot assembly of the indicator linkage610 of the transfer device 100. As shown, the indicator linkage 610 cancomprise a pivot shaft 1010, a pair of pivot links 1020, a pair ofwashers or spacers 1050, a pair of the indicators 120, and a pair ofindicator fasteners 1090.

As shown, a rotational position of each of the pivot links 1020 and thepair of the indicators 120 can be fixed with respect to the pivot shaft1010. Moreover, the pair of indicators 120 can be fixably joined to eachother via the pivot shaft 1010 of the indicator linkage 610 a,b and canbe configured to move in unison. In some aspects, the pivot links 1020can be so fixed with respect to the pivot shaft 1010 with a weld suchas, for example and without limitation, a tack weld. In other aspects,the pivot links 1020 can be fixed with respect to the pivot shaft 1010using a press fit connection between the mating parts. In other aspects,the pivot links 1020 can be so fixed with respect to the pivot shaft1010 using another fastening method. In some aspects, the indicators 120can be fixed with respect to the pivot shaft 1010 with the indicatorfasteners 1090, each of which can be threaded into a hole defined in thepivot shaft 1010. In other aspects, the indicators 120 can be fixed withrespect to the pivot shaft 1010 using a press fit connection between themating parts or using another fastening method. The indicator linkage610 can, in any case, rotate in unison about each of the assembly axes421 a,b upon movement of the pins 690 a,b (690 a shown in FIG. 6, 690 bshown in FIG. 5). Each of the spacers 1050 can optionally be positionedbetween the indicator 120 and the housing 310 (shown in FIG. 4).

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the pivot shaft 1010, which can be a bottom pivotshaft, of the indicator linkage 610 (shown in FIG. 10). Morespecifically, FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view and FIG. 12 is an endor front view of the pivot shaft 1010. As shown, the pivot shaft 1010can comprise a main portion 1013 defining an outside diameter D1 (shownin FIG. 12) and end portions 1015 a,b defining an outside diameter D2(shown in FIG. 12) positioned on opposite ends of the pivot shaft 1010.In some aspects, a flat 1017 a,b—or, more broadly, an anti-rotationelement encompassing the flat 1017 a,b—can be defined in opposite endsof the main portion 1013 and in each of the respective end portions 1015a,b. In other aspects, the pivot shaft 1010 can be cylindrical in shapethroughout its length and can define an axis 1201 (shown in FIG. 12).The pivot shaft 1010 can further define a bore 1018 a,b (1018 b shown inFIG. 12) in opposite ends. Each of the bores 1018 a,b can be sized toreceive one of the indicator fasteners 1090 a,b and can be threaded. Theflats 1017 a,b can prevent the pivot links 1020 (shown in FIG. 13) andthe indicators 120 (shown in FIGS. 14A-140) from rotating with respectto the pivot shaft 1010 and can thereby keep the pivot links 1020 andthe indicators 120 aligned with each other for reliable and consistentindication of engagement or non-engagement of the security mechanism 410(shown in FIG. 6).

FIG. 13 shows a face or side view of the pivot link 1020 of theindicator linkage 610 (shown in FIG. 10). Each of the pivot links 1020,which can be a bottom pivot link, can define a first end 1025 and asecond end 1026. The pivot link 1020 can define an attachment bore 1028proximate to the first end 1025 and a slot 1029 proximate to the secondend 1026. The attachment bore 1028, which can define an inside diameterD3 and a flat 1027, which can be angled with respect to a longitudinalcenterline or axis 1021 of the pivot link 1020. In some aspects, thepivot link 1020 can be symmetric about the axis 1021. In other aspects,the pivot link 1020 can be non-symmetric about the axis 1021. Theattachment bore 1028 can be sized to fit—with a press fit or moreloosely as desired—the middle portion 1013 (shown in FIG. 11) of thepivot shaft 1010 (shown in FIG. 11) and the flat 1027 can be positionedto achieve the desired orientation of the indicator 120 (shown in FIG.10) with respect to the housing 310 (shown in FIG. 4) and thecorresponding label 330 (shown in FIG. 3) upon assembly of the transferdevice 100 (shown in FIG. 3). More specifically, the inside diameter D3of the attachment bore 1028 can in some aspects be equal to the outsidediameter D1 of the pivot shaft 1010. The slot 1029 can be sized toslideably fit the pins 690 a,b (690 a shown in FIG. 6, 690 b shown inFIG. 5) to facilitate rotation of the indicator linkage 610 duringdisengagement and engagement of the receivers 110 a,b (shown in FIG. 1)with the transfer device 100. The second end 1026 can further defineradii R1 and R2 or be otherwise shaped to avoid interference withsurrounding parts during use. Symmetry of the pivot link 1020 andplacement of the flat 1027 can result in each of the pivot links 1020 ofthe transfer device 100 being the same and therefore interchangeable.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the indicator 120 of the transfer device 100(shown in FIG. 3). FIG. 14A is a front view of the indicator 120 asshown in earlier figures. The indicator 120, which in some aspects canbe a pointer as shown, can comprise a mounting hub 1410 and a firstportion 1420 and a second portion 1430, each of which can extend inopposite directions from the mounting hub 1410. Either of the firstportion 1420 and the second portion 1430 can extend radially outwardfrom the mounting hub 1410. The indicator 120 can define a first end1405 and a second end 1406. The indicator 120 can define an attachmentbore 1418, which can define an inside diameter D4 and a flat 1417, whichcan be angled with respect to a longitudinal centerline or axis 1401 ofthe indicator 120. In some aspects, the indicator 120 can be symmetricabout the axis 1401. In other aspects, the indicator 120 can benon-symmetric about the axis 1401. The attachment bore 1418 can be sizedto fit—with a press fit or more loosely as desired—the corresponding endportions 1015 a,b (shown in FIG. 11) of the pivot shaft 1010 (shown inFIG. 11) and the flat 1417 can be positioned to achieve the desiredorientation of the indicator 120 with respect to the housing 310 (shownin FIG. 3) and the corresponding label 330 (shown in FIG. 3) uponassembly of the transfer device 100. Any of the indicator 120 or theindicators 120 a,b (shown in FIG. 3) can point in a direction angledwith respect to the horizontal. In some aspects, any of the indicator120 or the indicators 120 a,b (shown in FIG. 3) can point upwards, i.e.,above the horizontal. In some aspects, any of the indicator 120 or theindicators 120 a,b can point downwards, i.e., below the horizontal.

More specifically, the inside diameter D4 of the attachment bore 1418can in some aspects be equal to the outside diameter D2 (shown in FIG.11) of the pivot shaft 1010. Either of the first portion 1420 and thesecond portion 1430 can comprise a shaped end 1440 at an end distal fromthe mounting hub 1410. In some aspects, as shown, the shaped end 1440 ofthe first portion 1420 can define a round or bulbous shape defining adiameter D5, which can be greater than a width 1424 of the first portion1420; and a width of the second portion 1430 can be continuousthroughout except for radiussed corners defining a radius R3 at thefirst end 1405. In other aspects, the shaped end 1440 of either of thefirst portion 1420 and the second portion 1430 can define a non-circularshape, a relative width or diameter of which can be other than thatshown. A thickness 1403 (shown in FIG. 10) of the indicator 120 canequal a length or depth of the end portions 1015 a,b of the pivot shaft1010 in a longitudinal direction along the axis 1201 (shown in FIG. 12)of the pivot shaft 1010. Symmetry of the indicator 120 and placement ofthe flat 1417 can result in each of the indicators 120 of the transferdevice 100 being the same and therefore interchangeable.

FIG. 14B shows the front view of the indicator 120 of the indicatorlinkage 610 of FIG. 10 in accordance with another aspect of the currentdisclosure. As shown, the indicator 120 can define a notch or notches1408 at an intersection between the mounting hub 1410 and the firstportion 1420 or elsewhere on the first portion 1420. The notches 1408,which due to a resulting reduced width of the indicator 120 below thewidth 1424 (shown in FIG. 14A) can create a weakened area, can allow theindicator 120 to bend if the user manually pushes the indicator 120 withsufficient force. More specifically, each indicator 120 can beconfigured to fail at the weakened area upon contact with a load thatwould tend to damage a connection between the indicator 120 and aremaining portion of the transfer device 100. More specifically, eachindicator 120 can be configured to deform first at the weakened areaupon contact with such a load. The force at which the indicator 120bends or otherwise deforms can be set at a force less than a forcesufficient to damage any of the other components of the transfer deviceincluding any other components of the security mechanism 410 (shown inFIG. 6), most of which are housed inside the housing of the 310 of thetransfer device 100 (shown in FIG. 3) and more difficult to replace, atleast without removing the labels 330 (shown in FIG. 3) anddisassembling the transfer device 100. In contrast, if one of theindicators 120 is damaged, it can be easily replaced by simple removalof the indicator fastener 1090 (shown in FIG. 10). As also shown, theradius R3 can be sufficiently large—approaching or equaling a fullradius of the second portion 1430—to minimize potential snagging ofpatient IV lines or other medical equipment.

FIG. 14C shows a front view of the indicator 120 of the indicatorlinkage 610 (shown in FIG. 10) of FIG. 10 in accordance with anotheraspect of the current disclosure. As shown, a weakened area such as, forexample and without limitation, the notches 1408 can be defined in amiddle of a length of the first portion 1420 of the indicator 120. Asalso shown, the shaped end 1440 of the indicator 120 can define a bore1428, which can reveal a portion of the label 330 (shown in FIG. 3) suchas the marks 350 a,b or 351 a,b to help indicate whether the securitymechanism 410 (shown in FIG. 4) is or is not engaged.

FIGS. 15A-15C show a front perspective view of the transfer device 100together with the receiver 110 a of the first support platform 30 a andthe receiver 110 b of the second support platform 30 b and comprising aset of the indicators 120 a,b in accordance with another aspect of thecurrent disclosure. FIG. 15A specifically shows the transfer device 100with the indicators 120 a,b in a first indicating condition showing thereceiver 110 a of the first support platform 30 a lockably engaged witha first docking cup 175 a of the transfer device. As shown, each of theindicators 120 a,b can be curved and of a constant width and can beotherwise shaped to resemble a shackle of a padlock, while a surface ofthe housing 310 of the transfer device 100 or the label 330 can bemarked to show a body 1510 of the “padlock,” which can be rectangular orany other recognizable padlock shape. As reflected in a position of the“shackle” of the padlock, i.e., an indicator such as the indicator 120 acan be shown as engaged or locked when the first end 1405 and the secondend 1406 of the indicator 120 are level and otherwise can be shown asdisengaged or unlocked such as a position of the indicator 120 b asshown.

FIG. 15B shows a front perspective view and FIG. 15C shows a side topperspective view of the transfer device 100 and the receivers 110 a,bwith a portion of the housing 310 of the transfer device 100 removed. Asshown, the position, orientation, and operation of the security levers450 a,b can be as described above, but the indicator linkages 610 a,bcan be upper pivot assemblies or linkages positioned above the securitylevers 450 a,b instead of below the security levers 450 a,b. As shown,the pins 690 a,b can extend through a portion of the respective securitylevers 450 a,b that is proximate to the upper edges 708 a,b of therespective security levers 450 a,b instead of proximate to the loweredges 709 a,b of the security levers 450 a,b as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 16A is a front view of the transfer device 100 together with thereceiver 110 a of the first support platform 30 a and the receiver 110 bof the second support platform 30 b, the transfer device 100 comprisinga set of indicators 120 a,b (120 b shown in FIG. 16B) in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure. More specifically, the set ofindicators 120 a,b are shown in a first indicating condition showing thereceiver 110 a of the first support platform 30 a lockably engaged withthe first docking cup 175 a of the transfer device 100.

FIG. 16B is a front view of the transfer device 100 and the receivers110 a,b with the set of indicators 120 a,b in a second indicatingcondition showing the receiver 110 b of the second support platform 30 blockably engaged with the second docking cup 175 b of the transferdevice 100. In some aspects, as shown in both FIGS. 16A and 16B, theindicator 120 a,b can extend from a top end or top surface of thehousing 310 through a seam or opening, which can be defined by anintersection between the housing halves 320 a,b (320 b shown in FIG. 4).As shown, such a portion of the housing 310 can be upward facing. Eachof the indicators 120 a,b can be a flag that is raised upon engagementand lowered upon disengagement of the respective receiver 110 a,b withthe transfer device 100. As with other aspects of the indicators 120 a,bdisclosed herein, the indicator 120 a,b, including when shown as a flag,can be colored to indicate engagement (and safe docking) of the transferdevice 100 on the respective receiver 110 a,b with a color such asgreen, which is commonly used to indicate safety or a safe condition. Incontrast, the indicator 120 a,b, including when shown as a flag, can becolored to indicate disengagement (and incomplete docking) of thetransfer device 100 on the respective receiver 110 a,b with a color suchas red, which is commonly used to indicate caution, danger, or an unsafecondition. In other aspects, pins (not shown) secured to the securitylevers 450 a,b or tips of lengthened security levers 450 a,b (shown inFIG. 4) can extend through an opening such as a slot defined in sides ofthe housing 310 and by their position outside or proximate to theexterior surface 321 of the housing 310 can indicate engagement ordisengagement of the security levers 450 a,b.

FIGS. 17A-17E show the transfer device 100 together with the receiver110 a of the first support platform 30 a and the receiver 110 b of thesecond support platform 30 b, the transfer device 100 comprising a setof indicators 120 a,b in accordance with another aspect of the currentdisclosure. FIG. 17A specifically shows a front view of the transferdevice 100 with the set of indicators 120 a,b in a first indicatingcondition showing the receiver 110 a of the first support platform 30 alockably engaged with the first docking cup 175 a of the transfer device100. As shown, each of the receivers 110 a,b can comprise a shoulder orflange 1710 a,b, and each of the indicators 120 a,b can comprise arespective catch 1720 a,b, which can secure or maintain engagement ofthe indicator 120 a,b and thereby also the transfer device 100 with therespective receiver 110 a,b. As shown, each of the indicators 120 a,bcan extend from a side or side facing surface of the housing 310 througha seam or opening, which can be defined by an intersection between thehousing halves 320 a,b (320 b shown in FIG. 4).

FIG. 17B shows a front view of the transfer device 100 and the receivers110 a,b with the set of indicators 120 a,b in a second indicatingcondition showing both of the receivers 110 a,b engaged but not lockablyengaged with respective first and second docking cups 175 a,b of thetransfer device 100.

FIG. 17C shows a front view of the transfer device 100 and the receivers110 a,b with the set of indicators 120 a,b in a third indicatingcondition showing the receiver 110 b of the second support platform 30 blockably engaged with the second docking cup 175 b of the transferdevice 100 in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.As shown, the indicators 120 a,b can incorporate both two colors tocontrast a condition of engagement with a condition of disengagement.

FIG. 17D shows a front perspective view of the transfer device 100 withat least a portion of the housing 310 of the transfer device 100removed. The attachment portions 590 a,b, which can be attachment holesas shown, can receive ends of the biasing members 570 a,b (shown in FIG.5).

FIG. 17E shows a front exploded perspective view of the indicator 120and the security lever 450 of the security mechanism 410 of the transferdevice 100 of FIG. 17A. As shown, the feeler 550 need not comprise theflange 950 (shown in FIG. 9). In addition, instead of the pin 690 beingsecured to the security lever 450, the pin 690 can be secured to theindicator 120, which here is shown as a rotating flag, and can slideablyengage with a pivot slot 1780 defined in the security lever 450. In someaspects, the catch 1720 can be formed separately from and secured to abody 1705 of the indicator 120. In other aspects, the catch 1720 can beformed monolithically as part of a single-piece, i.e., monolithic,indicator 120.

FIGS. 18A-18D show the transfer device 100 together with the receiver110 a (shown in FIG. 1) of the first support platform 30 a and thereceiver 110 b of the second support platform 30 b in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure, the transfer device 100comprising a set of indicators 120 a,b in accordance with another aspectof the current disclosure. FIG. 18A specifically shows a top perspectiveview of the transfer device 100 with the set of indicators 120 a,b in afirst indicating condition showing the receiver 110 a of the firstsupport platform 30 a lockably engaged with the first docking cup 175 aof the transfer device. As shown, each of the indicators 120 a,b can bepositioned inside the housing 310 and can be only partially visible fromoutside the transfer device 100.

FIG. 18B shows a top perspective view and FIG. 18C shows a front view ofthe transfer device 100 and the receivers 110 a,b with a portion of thehousing 310 of the transfer device 100 removed. As the pins 690 a,b moveand, as shown, rotate from one indicating condition to anotherindicating condition due to movement of the security levers 450 a,b, themovement and thereby indication of movement and engagement to the useris visible through a respective window 1880 a,b (shown in FIG. 18A)defined in the housing 310. Each of the indicators 120 a,b can be biasedtowards one position—for example, in or out with respect to a center ofthe transfer device 100—with a biasing element (not shown). Each of theindicators 120 a,b can define a mark on a surface such as a top surface.In some aspects, as shown, the mark can be a circular mark and canindicate engagement or disengagement of a corresponding receiver 110 a,bsuch as the receiver 110 a,b on the same side of the transfer device 100as the indicator 120 a,b. As shown, in some aspects, the pivot links1020 a,b can be formed monolithically with the indicator 120 a,b, andeach of the pivot links 1020 a,b can define a unique pivot slot 1029 a,bfor translating rotational movement of the pin 690 a,b about oneaxis—here, the pivot portion 540 a,b—into rotational movement of theindicator 120 about another axis. In some aspects, each of the windows1880 a,b can comprise a barrier allowing visibility to the indicators120 a,b but also preventing soiling of the indicators 120 a,b due toliquids and/or other materials entering the transfer device 100.

FIG. 18D shows a front sectional view of the transfer device 100 and thereceivers 110 a,b with the portion of the housing 310 of the transferdevice 100 removed and taken along line 18D-18D of FIG. 18A. As shown, abrake mechanism 1800 can, when tightened, be used to prevent rotation ofthe arm 234 and any structure supported thereby with respect to thetransfer device 100. The brake mechanism 1800 can comprise a brakefastener 1890, which can be fastened to the support post 296, andwashers positioned therebetween to fix a rotational position of thebrake fastener 1890 with respect to the support post 296 and thetransfer device 100. As shown, the brake mechanism 1800 and the supportpost 296 can be positioned in close proximity to and in a space betweenthe security levers 450 a,b and the indicators 120 a,b withoutinterfering with their operation.

Operation of each of the indicator linkages 610 a,b (shown in FIG. 18B)and the security mechanism 410 can be automatic as disclosed herein. Insome aspects, as shown, any of the indicators 120, including theindicators 120 a,b, can comprise a pointer or bar. In other aspects, anyindicators 120 can comprise a flag, which can define any geometry. Inother aspects, any indicators 120 can comprise a colored surface exposedthrough an opening in the housing. Any of the indicator 120 can bepositioned on a face, a side (including at or through a seam of thehousing 310), a top, or a bottom of the housing 310. In some aspects,any of the indicators 120 can positively indicate both engaged, locked,or latched and disengaged, unlocked, or unlatched positions. In otheraspects, any of the indicators 120 can positively indicate only theengaged or the disengaged positions but not both. Indication can be bycolor (for example, red vs. green), by alignment vs. misalignment, by apictorial image such as that of the aforementioned padlock, or by anyother desirable means.

FIGS. 19A-19C show a perspective view of the housing 310 of the transferdevice 100 (shown in FIG. 3) in accordance with another aspect of thecurrent disclosure. FIG. 19A specifically shows a perspective view ofthe housing 310 (shown in FIG. 3) of the transfer device 100. As shown,two identical instances of a housing half 320 can be configured to formthe housing 310. The housing half 320 can comprise a raised edge orflange 1910 on any exterior edges of a first side 1701 and a pocket orrecess 1920 on any exterior edges of a second side 1702, where the firstside 1701 and the second side 1702 can be separated by the axis 301. Insome aspects, as shown, either of the flange 1910 and the recess 1920can be continuous from a first end of the respective flange 1910 orrecess 1920 to a second end of the respective flange 1910 or recess1920. In other aspects, each of the flange 1910 and the recess 1920 canbe broken or interrupted or alternate between a flange and a recessfeatures while optionally still presenting a coplanar seam in thehousing 310 as assembled. As shown, an exterior surface 321 and aninterior surface 322 can be as described above with respect to theexterior surfaces 321 a,b and the interior surfaces 322 a, b.

FIG. 19B shows a sectional view, and FIG. 19C shows a top view of thehousing 310 in close proximity to a mating housing 310 having ordefining identical geometry. In contrast to the housing half 320 in FIG.19A presenting a coplanar seam on both sides 1701,1702 of the housinghalf 320, as shown in FIG. 19C the seams on opposite sides 1701,1702 canbe offset from one other and offset from the axis 301 when the housing310 is assembled. Also as shown, the flange 1910 of the first housinghalf 320 can nest within the recess 1920 of the second housing half 320and vice versa. An edge of each of the flange 1910 and the recess 1920can be slightly relieved to along either the entire length or at certainpoints such as the transition between the first side 1701 and the secondside 1702 to facilitate smooth assembly between parts by simpleinsertion of the first housing half 320 into the second housing half 320by translation of the first housing half 320 with respect to the secondhousing half 320.

The components of the transfer system 50 (shown in FIG. 1) and, morespecifically, the transfer device 100 and any portion thereof can beformed from any one of a variety of materials selected based on theirstrength characteristics, weight, and cost. In some aspects, it will bebeneficial to select a material with sufficient strength to avoiddeformation, corrosion, or fatigue in use. In some aspects, the housing310 can be formed from a material such as aluminum, which can be cast,molded, and/or machined to produce any of the features disclosed herein.In some aspects, the security mechanism 410 or portions thereof can beformed from a stainless steel material such as, for example and withoutlimitation, grade 304 or equivalent. In other aspects, another materialcan be used for any of the parts such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a metal other than stainless steel, a composite material, ora polymer resin—including of the fiber-reinforced kind. In some aspects,as shown, the security mechanism 410 (shown in FIG. 6) or portionsthereof can be formed from sheet metal through traditional sheet metalforming processes. In other aspects, the structure can be formed from apowder in a 3D printing process, from pellets in a molding process, orfrom another raw material form and forming process. In some aspects,components such as the biasing members 570 a,b (shown in FIG. 5) can beconfigured and selected to deform, in which case a material withappropriate characteristics such as, for example and without limitation,spring steel can be used. In other aspects, another material can be usedfor the parts configured to deform such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a metal other than spring steel or a rubber-like flexiblematerial.

FIGS. 20A-20C show front views of the transfer device 100 of FIG. 1together with the receiver 110 a of the first support platform 30 a, thereceiver 110 b of the second support platform 30 b, and the patient careapparatus 60 supported by the transfer device 100 in various indicatingconditions. FIG. 20A specifically shows the transfer device 100 with theset of indicators 120 a,b of the transfer device 100 in a firstindicating condition showing the receiver 110 a of the first supportplatform 30 a lockably engaged with the first docking cup 175 a but notthe second docking cup 175 b of the transfer device 100. As shown, aposition of the indicator 120 b over the mark 350 b, which can becolored or otherwise configured to indicate disengagement (such as withthe color red), can indicate to the user that the transfer device 100 isnot lockably engaged or latched to the receiver 110 b, while a positionof the indicator 120 a over the mark 351 a, which can be colored orotherwise configured to indicate engagement (such as with the colorgreen), can indicate to the user that the transfer device 100 is stilllockably engaged or latched to the receiver 110 a.

FIG. 20B shows the transfer device 100 with the set of indicators 120a,b in a second indicating condition showing the receiver 110 a of thefirst support platform 30 a engaged with the first docking cup 175 a andthe receiver 110 b of the second support platform 30 b engaged with thesecond docking cup 175 b of the transfer device 100. As shown, aposition of the indicator 120 b over the mark 350 b and a position ofthe indicator 120 a over the mark 350 a, each of which can be colored orotherwise configured to indicate disengagement (such as with the colorred), can indicate to the user that the transfer device 100 is notlockably engaged or latched to either of the receivers 110 a,b.

FIG. 20C shows a front view of the transfer device 100, receivers 110a,b, and the patient care apparatus 60 with the set of indicators 120a,b in a third indicating condition showing the receiver 110 b of thesecond support platform 30 b lockably engaged with the second dockingcup 175 b but not the first docking cup 175 a of the transfer device100. As shown, a position of the indicator 120 a over the mark 350 a,which can be colored or otherwise configured to indicate disengagement(such as with the color red), can indicate to the user that the transferdevice 100 is not lockably engaged or latched to the receiver 110 a,while a position of the indicator 120 b over the mark 351 b, which canbe colored or otherwise configured to indicate engagement (such as withthe color green), can indicate to the user that the transfer device 100is still lockably engaged or latched to the receiver 110 b.

A method of using the transfer system 50 (shown in FIG. 1) can compriselockably engaging the transfer device 100 of the transfer system 50 withone of the receivers 110 a,b (shown in FIG. 1) of the transfer system50, the transfer device comprising the housing 310 (shown in FIG. 3)comprising the first docking cup 175 a and the second docking cup 175 b,the security mechanism 410 (shown in FIG. 6) positioned inside thehousing 310, and a pair of the indicators 120 a,b, which can be coupledto the security mechanism 410 and at least partially visible fromoutside the housing 310. The method can further comprise positioning afirst indicator 120 a,b of the pair of indicators 120 a,b in a firstindicating position with respect to the housing 310, the firstindicating position indicating to a user of the transfer system 100 thatthe receiver has been lockably engaged with the one of the first dockingcup 175 a and the second docking cup 175 b.

The method can further comprise aligning the first indicator 120 a ofthe pair of indicators 120 a,b with a first mark 350 a (for example andwithout limitation, as any other mark or mark position, orientation, ordesign can be used) on the housing 310, the first mark 350 a indicatingto the user of the transfer system 50 that the receiver 110 a of thetransfer system 50 has been lockably engaged with the one of the firstdocking cup 175 a and the second docking cup 175 b. As shown in theaforementioned FIGS. 20A-20C, lockably engaging the transfer device 100can comprise lockably engaging the one of the receivers 110 a,b with oneof the first docking cup 175 a and the second docking cup 175 b. Asdescribed above, either of the positioning and aligning steps can beperformed automatically by the transfer device 100 upon lockableengagement of the receiver 110 a,b into the one of the first docking cup175 a and the second docking cup 175 b. The method can comprise movingeither of the indicators 120 a,b with a pin 690 a,b secured to thesecurity lever 450 a,b of the security mechanism 410. In some aspects,as shown in FIGS. 17A-17E, the method can comprise interfering withdisengagement of the receiver 110 a,b from the corresponding one of thefirst docking cup 175 a and the second docking cup 175 b when thecorresponding indicator 120 a,b is engaged.

Before transporting a patient from a room to another location, inreference again to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 20A-20C, the first docking cup 175 aof the transfer device 100 can be docked with, and secured to, thesupport platform 30 a. In preparation for patient transport, thetransfer device 100 can be repositioned so that the second docking cup175 b faces the patient bed 40, and the patient bed 40 can be movedcloser to the support platform 30 a. Activation of the lift mechanism 43can lower the height 48 of the mattress 42 sufficiently to permit thereceiver 110 b of the support platform 30 b to be maneuvered directlyunderneath, and into generally coaxial alignment with, the seconddocking cup 175 b of the transfer device 100. Further activation of thelift mechanism 43 of the patient bed 40 can raise the mattress 42 andalso raise the receiver 110 b of the support platform 30 b, causing itto dock with the transfer device 100. As shown in FIG. 20B, the receiver110 a attached to the support platform 30 a and the receiver 110 battached to the support platform 30 b can be simultaneously engaged intheir respective docking cups 175 a,b. Under continued activation of thelift mechanism 43, which can cause the receiver 110 b to lift thetransfer device 100 away from the receiver 110 a, the security mechanism410 can automatically release the transfer device 100 from the receiver110 a and lock the transfer device 100 to the receiver 110 b. Theautomatic release and engagement of the transfer device 100 during thetransfer process can mean that the user of the transfer system 50 neednot remember, much less properly perform, any manual latching orunlatching steps, which can simplify user training and enhance safety.

As shown in FIG. 20C, continued activation of lift mechanism 43 liftsthe transfer device 100 out of engagement with the receiver 110 a untilthe transfer device 100 clears the receiver 110 a. As described above,various components of the transfer system 50 can form a system ofpivoting linkages, which can permit caregivers to position the patientcare apparatus 60 where it is needed for optimal patient care.

Moving the patient bed 40 away from the support platform 30 a and out ofdocking alignment enables the user of the transfer system 50 to reversethe lift mechanism 43 to lower the mattress height 48 to a desiredworking height. Caregivers are now free to reposition the patient careapparatus 60 and the transfer device 100 so both nest closely to thepatient bed 40 and the patient's head as may be desired withoutdisturbing the connections between the patient and the patient careapparatus 60. Articulation of the transfer device 100 by, for exampleand without limitation, rotation of the arms 70 permits nursing staff tominimize a total footprint of (i.e., a required floor space for) thesupport platform 30 b for efficient and safe transport, in tandem withthe patient care apparatus 60, through doorways, corridors, elevators,and so forth.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations areincluded in which functions may not be included or executed at all, maybe executed out of order from that shown or discussed, includingsubstantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on thefunctionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonablyskilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described aspect(s) withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of the presentdisclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended tocover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements,features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thepresent disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects orcombinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by thepresent disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A transfer system comprising: a receiver;and a transfer device comprising: a housing comprising a first dockingcup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and thesecond docking cup configured to receive and lockably engage thereceiver; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing andconfigured to engage with the receiver through either of the firstdocking cup and the second docking cup; and a pair of indicators coupledto the security mechanism and at least partially visible from outsidethe housing, each of the pair of indicators configured to indicate to auser of the transfer system that the receiver has been lockably engagedwith one of the first docking cup and the second docking cup.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the security mechanism comprises: a firstsecurity lever; a first biasing member engaged with the first securitylever and configured to bias the first security lever towards engagementwith the receiver; a second security lever; and a second biasing memberengaged with the second security lever and configured to bias the secondsecurity lever towards engagement with the receiver.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, further comprising a support post configured to support apatient care apparatus, the support post positioned between the firstsecurity lever and the second security lever.
 4. The system of claim 2,wherein a thickness of each of the first security lever and the secondsecurity lever is substantially constant.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the pair of indicators is a first pair of indicators, thetransfer device further comprising a second pair of indicatorspositioned on a side of the transfer device that is opposite from a sideof the transfer device on which the first pair of indicators ispositioned.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein a first indicator of thefirst pair of indicators is fixably joined to a first indicator of thesecond pair of indicators via an indicator linkage.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the pair of indicators are fixably joined to each othervia a pivot shaft of the indicator linkage and configured to move inunison.
 8. A transfer device comprising: a housing comprising a firstdocking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup andthe second docking cup configured to receive and lockably engage areceiver of a transfer system; a security mechanism positioned insidethe housing; and a pair of indicators coupled to the security mechanismand at least partially visible from outside the housing, each of thepair of indicators configured to indicate to a user of the transfersystem that the receiver has been lockably engaged with one of the firstdocking cup and the second docking cup.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein the housing comprises a pair of housing halves definingidentical geometry.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein each of the pairof indicators comprises a mounting hub and a first portion extendingradially outward from the mounting hub.
 11. The device of claim 8,wherein each of the pair of indicators defines a weakened area, eachindicator of the pair of indicators configured to deform first at theweakened area upon contact with a load.
 12. The device of claim 8,wherein at least a portion of each of the pair of indicators ispositioned outside the housing.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein eachof the pair of indicators is positioned inside the housing but visiblefrom outside the housing.
 14. The device of claim 8, wherein each of thepair of indicators extends from or is visible from one of an upwardfacing surface and a side facing surface of the housing.
 15. The deviceof claim 8, wherein the housing defines at least one mark for each ofthe pair of indicators, the mark indicating one of engagement anddisengagement of the security mechanism with the receiver.
 16. A methodof using a transfer system, the method comprising: lockably engaging atransfer device of the transfer system with a receiver of the transfersystem, the transfer device comprising: a housing comprising a firstdocking cup and a second docking cup, lockably engaging the transferdevice comprising lockably engaging the receiver with one of the firstdocking cup and the second docking cup; a security mechanism positionedinside the housing; and a pair of indicators coupled to the securitymechanism and at least partially visible from outside the housing; andpositioning a first indicator of the pair of indicators in a firstindicating position with respect to the housing, the first indicatingposition indicating to a user of the transfer system that the receiverhas been lockably engaged with the one of the first docking cup and thesecond docking cup.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingaligning a first indicator of the pair of indicators with a first markon the housing.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the positioning stepis performed automatically by the transfer device upon lockableengagement of the receiver into the one of the first docking cup and thesecond docking cup.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprisingmoving the first indicator with a pin secured to a security lever of thesecurity mechanism.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprisinginterfering with disengagement of a receiver of the transfer system fromthe corresponding one of the first docking cup and the second dockingcup when the first indicator is engaged.